How UK and US are ramping up firepower in Middle East amid wider war fears
Warships, fighter jets and thousands of soldiers – Western allies of Israel have ramped up their military presence in the Mediterranean amid fears of a wider Middle Eastern war.
With Israel poised to attack Iran, having already blindsided friends and foes alike with its bloodshed in Lebanon, Britain and the US are piling assets in the region.
Both nations, alongside Italy and Germany, also export arms to its military, despite pressure from campaign groups.
Britain and the US also showed their ‘steadfast commitment’ to Israel’s security on Monday when Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at the country.
Metro breaks down how the Western allies have been helping Israel by increasing their military deployment.
British military presence in the Middle East
Britain operates two RAF airbases in Cyprus. In the past, RAF Akrotiri has been as a staging point for airstrikes against Houthi forces in Yemen in retaliation for attacks on Red Sea, which the group says is a response to the war in Gaza.
Ministry of Defence (MoD) personnel is also stationed at military bases in Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Iraq.
The Royal Navy also has two warships stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean and more than 4,000 personnel stationed at bases throughout the Middle East.
In addition, about 700 troops and Foreign Office and Home Office staff have been deployed to Cyprus in case an emergency evacuation of Britons stuck in Lebanon is needed.
Britain also confirmed RAF Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker ‘played a role’ on Tuesday during Iran’s attack on Israel.
US military presence in the Middle East
The US has increased its military presence in the Middle East by several thousand troops, deploying an array of fighter jets and other aircraft.
This brings the total number of American soldiers in the region to as many as 43,000, including more than a dozen warships.
Defence secretary Lloyd Austin has increased the readiness levels of additional forces so they are prepared to deploy for any contingency, a Pentagon spokesperson said.
It is understood military leaders are now in ‘almost daily’ discussions with their Israeli counterparts on what the response might be to Iran’s missile attack.
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The US claims that threats continue throughout Iraq, Syria and in the Red Sea, where Iranian-backed groups are based.
US attacks on Houthi targets
Demonstrating allyship to Israel, the US military struck multiple cities in Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, and the key port city of Hodeidah, on Friday.
At least a dozen Houthi targets were hit as the US went after weapons systems, bases and equipment belonging to the Iranian-backed rebels.
Military aircraft and warships bombed Houthi strongholds at five locations, US officials confirmed.
Al Masirah TV reported that the strikes had been carried out by both US and UK forces, but a British government source said its military was not involved.
G7 leaders call for cessation of hostilities
G7 leaders have renewed calls for a cessation of hostilities in the region, warning of a ‘dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation’ leading to ‘uncontrollable’ escalation and bolstered their condemnation of Iran.
‘We, the leaders of the G7, express deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s direct military attack against Israel, which constitutes a serious threat to regional stability,’ a joint statement released on Thursday said.
‘We unequivocally reiterate our commitment to the security of Israel.
‘Iran’s seriously destabilising actions throughout the Middle East through terrorist proxies and armed groups – including the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas – as well as Iran-aligned militia groups in Iraq, must stop.’
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